Karen Vaisman is a professional photographer and Master Retouch Artist with over 30 years of experience and 300+ 5-star reviews. Her Agoura Hills studio serves clients across Los Angeles and Ventura County.
U.S. Passport Photos & U.S. Citizenship Photos —
Simi Valley & Moorpark
Professional Studio Lighting — Ready In 1 Hour — 300+ 5-Star Reviews
Want A Flattering
US Passport Photo
(Not A DMV Mugshot)
For The Next 10 Years?
Zero rejections in 30+ years — and if it ever happens, the retake is free. Your session takes just 5 minutes — studio lighting, expert posing, and a photo you review yourself before anything is finalized.
Pricing is available on our booking page — most clients are in and out in under an hour.
I needed a passport photo in a hurry. Not only did Karen provide same day, the photo was stunning. This amazed me as you can't smile and other requirements. Karen is wonderful to work with. She is truly a skilled and passionate artist. Karen took time to review each photo with me to make a selection. All this was done in under one hour.
What's Included
Your US Passport & Citizenship Session
Printed to exact State Department dimensions — precise sizing and quality paper.
Shadow-free white background — shadows are the most common reason for rejection.
Professional lighting eliminates shadows and flatters every face.
Karen guides your chin angle and positioning for the most flattering result.
Every shot reviewed on the iPad. You pick your favorite before anything is finalized.
Need to apply online? We provide perfectly formatted digital files for the State Department's new passport renewal portal — correct file size and pixel dimensions, checked before you leave.
Book online in minutes.
Deaf-friendly, mobility-accessible. Infants, children, seniors, and clients with special needs warmly accommodated.
30+ Years of Perfect Acceptance — retake is FREE if it ever happens.
In 30+ years, a retake has never been needed.
Look this good in your passport photo.
USCIS Compliant · Simi Valley
US Citizenship Photos —
Same Studio, Same Guarantee
US citizenship and immigration photos require the same 2×2 inch format as a US passport photo — plain white background, correct head size, and taken within the last 30 days. Whether you are attending a naturalization ceremony, renewing a green card, or need photos for any USCIS immigration document, Karen's studio produces fully compliant photos with professional studio lighting and a shadow-free white background.
Photos must be taken in a professional studio. Drugstore fluorescent lighting causes green and yellow color casts on skin that cannot be fixed — and shadows are the leading reason immigration photos are rejected. Digital files formatted to USCIS specifications are available for online applications.
Exact USCIS dimensions — identical format to a US passport photo.
Shadow-free — the most common reason citizenship and immigration photos are rejected.
Many USCIS applications require two matching photos, both printed from the same approved shot.
Correctly sized and formatted for online USCIS applications and the myUSCIS portal.
Book close to your filing or ceremony date — USCIS requires a recent photo.
If your photo is ever rejected, Karen will retake it for free. In 30+ years, a retake has never been needed.
Why Clients Drive to Agoura Hills for Their Simi Valley Passport Photo
Most people come because they want to look genuinely great in a photo they will carry for ten years — not a harsh drugstore flash shot taken under fluorescent lights. The US allows for a natural expression, but capturing it perfectly takes expert human coaching. Karen guides your angles and expressions to help you look your absolute best, most confident, and entirely compliant.
Simi Valley clients take the 118 to the 101 south — a short drive to Agoura Hills for a photo you'll carry for 10 years.
The closest professional passport photo studio to Simi Valley — just a short drive via the 118 and 101.
Clients travel from Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, Agoura Hills, Los Angeles, and across the Conejo and Simi Valleys because:
At CVS it's one shot and done — like the DMV. Here you get a photographer who shoots until she knows she has a great photo.
You see every shot on the iPad and choose your favorite before anything is printed.
Mastering the "Neutral Expression" (No Smiling Required)
The primary hurdle for an official biometric document photo is meeting strict government facial criteria without looking cold or unnatural.
The Master Retouch Artist Approach: As a Master Retouch Artist, Karen knows that since passport shadows are the most common reason for rejection, getting the studio lighting perfect in-camera is the only way to eliminate harsh contrast.
I coach your chin angles and help you gently relax your facial features to project approachable warmth and confidence. You stay fully compliant with biometric standards while completely avoiding an unflattering appearance.
Not sure what to wear? See our what to wear guide below ↓
Rejection Cause #1 — Shadows On Photo
Meet our Shadow-Free Passport Photo Studio
This is not a drugstore passport photo.
Karen has prepared U.S. passport photos for 30+ years with zero rejections. Every photo includes professional studio lighting, shadow-free backdrop, and precise sizing — the level of care most area photo shops don't even attempt.
Shadow-free lighting. Accurate sizing. Ready in 1 hour.
U.S. Passport Photos Cut to Exact 2×2 Inch Size
Karen meticulously prepares each photo for accurate sizing, clean presentation, professional lighting, and U.S. passport application requirements — including the correct head size and plain white background.
"Karen was absolutely amazing, I would highly recommend her for any photo shoot. She made me comfortable, laugh, and my photos looked the way I've always imagined I could look — but better!"
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"Karen was the consummate professional. She made my experience easy and comfortable. Her attention to detail was extraordinary and my photos turned out amazing. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone, especially if you want perfection!"
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"If you are looking for a top-notch photographer with the professional experience and artistic ability to create outstanding results, look no further. Karen Vaisman gets you where you need to be in an effortless manner with incredible artistry, an eye for minute detail, and extraordinary patience for the camera-shy among us. I cannot recommend her more highly."
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"Karen is the ultimate professional and a joy to work with. She guided me through the process and the results were beyond my expectations. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to my friends and family."
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"Karen's experience shines from before the photo shoot. The quality, preparation and clarity she takes in her prep message is just the beginning of your professional experience. She has all the equipment needed to make the results impressive. And the results are impressive."
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Newborn & Infant Passport Photos
Same Studio, Different Setup
- On the floor, from above: a white backdrop on the studio floor, one soft light straight overhead, and you kneeling beside your baby the whole time. Nothing to roll off, nowhere for a shadow to hide.
- Prints or digital — priced separately, so you only pay for what you need: 2×2 inch prints ready in about an hour, or a correctly sized digital file for the State Department's online portal.
- Youngest passport client: two weeks old. Sessions run 30–45 minutes with feeding and changing breaks. If a photo is ever rejected — or you're not happy with it — the retake is free.
Quick Answers — US Passport Photos
Has Karen ever had a US passport photo rejected?
Zero rejections — ever. Every US passport photo Karen has produced has been accepted by the State Department. Karen is meticulous about every technical detail — correct 2×2 inch dimensions, shadow-free white background, and precise head sizing. If your photo is ever not accepted, Karen will retake it for free. In 30+ years, a retake has never once been needed.
How is a professional studio passport photo different from CVS or Walgreens?
At CVS it's one shot and done — like the DMV. Drugstore fluorescent lighting causes green and yellow color casts on skin that cannot be fixed. Since passport photos cannot be retouched, what you get is what you carry for 10 years. Karen shoots until she knows she has a great photo — you see every shot on an iPad and choose your favorite before anything is printed.
How long does a US passport photo session take?
About 5 minutes in studio. Printed photos ready in 1 hour. Digital files delivered via WeTransfer within 1 hour. Book online or call (818) 991-7787.
What Passport Photo Clients Say
I was very pleased to find her professional experience as a photographer resulted in a flattering photo that I can present without cringing — as is usual with passport photos. She is exceptionally knowledgeable about the requirements to make sure they are not rejected. Highly recommend.
Read this review on YelpFor someone who hates her photographs being taken, you made it easy and fun. Thank you for your patience and professionalism, for making me feel so comfortable — and thank you for the great pictures.
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US Passport Photos
Simi Valley & Moorpark
Professional Passport Photos You’ll Feel Confident Using For The Next 10 Years
Real Passport
Photo Examples
Professional studio lighting can make a dramatic difference in how your passport photo looks
for the next 10 years.
Print & Digital
Passport Photos
Karen Vaisman Photography offers both printed and digital U.S. passport photos — priced separately so you only pay for what you need. Prints are ready in 1 hour. Digital files are delivered via WeTransfer within 1 hour of your session and are formatted to meet the latest State Department online portal requirements.
Visit Our
Agoura Hills Passport Photo Studio
Professional U.S. passport photos by appointment in a relaxed, private studio setting — serving Simi Valley, Moorpark, Santa Susana, Wood Ranch, and surrounding areas.
Karen Vaisman Photography
5624 Silver Valley Ave
Agoura Hills, CA, 91301
Questions About
Passport Photos?
Call (818) 991-7787 or use the contact form below to reach Karen Vaisman Photography. Appointments are available in Agoura Hills
By appointment only.
Professional U.S. Passport Photos
Professional studio lighting •
1-hour turnaround •
By appointment in Agoura Hills
(818) 991-7787
Best Clothing Choices for Passport Photos
The right clothing can make a huge difference in your passport photo. Rich jewel tones and darker colors usually photograph best, helping you look more polished, confident, and flattering on camera. Avoid white tops, busy patterns, and neon colors, which can wash you out under lighting.
After all… if you’re going to use this photo for the next 10 years, you may as well look your best.
Have questions?
US Passport & Citizenship Photo FAQ — Simi Valley
Zero rejections — ever. Every US passport photo Karen has produced has been accepted. In the unlikely event your photo is ever not accepted, Karen will retake it for free. Read what clients say on our reviews page.
- Multiple shots — shoots until she has a great one
- You choose your favorite — every shot shown on iPad
- Expert posing guidance — chin angle, expression, shoulders
- Five studio lights — eliminate shadows, flatter every face
- Private studio — not a pharmacy counter
Since passport photos cannot be retouched, getting it right in camera is everything.
Always. Immediate iPad viewing after every session — you see every shot and choose your favorite before anything is printed.
Most clients come because they want to look genuinely great in a photo they will carry for ten years. Karen brings over 30 years of professional photography experience to every session. Read 300+ 5-Star reviews or book online.
Wear a solid colored top that contrasts with the white background. Jewel tones — navy, emerald, burgundy, deep purple — photograph beautifully. Avoid white or pale tops. No glasses, hats, or uniforms.
About 5 minutes in studio. Prints or digital files, priced separately: prints ready in 1 hour, or digital files via WeTransfer within 1 hour.
- 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) print size
- Head between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches chin to top of head
- Plain white or off-white background — no shadows
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, both eyes open
- No glasses, hats, or headwear (unless religious)
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Printed on photo-quality paper
Yes. US citizenship and immigration photos require the same 2x2 inch format as a US passport photo. Karen's studio produces fully USCIS-compliant photos with professional studio lighting and a shadow-free white background.
Yes — and Karen specializes in exactly these clients. Infants, young children, seniors, and clients with mobility needs are all welcome. Deaf-friendly and fully mobility-accessible. Babies who can't sit up yet have their own session — see baby passport photos.
Yes. Digital files meet the exact pixel dimensions and file specifications required for online US passport applications and renewals.
No — they are completely different. Canadian passport photos require different dimensions, a mandatory commercial studio stamp on the back, and precise head measurements that differ from US standards. Karen specializes in both. Canadian passport photos and Canadian citizenship photos are also available.
Karen Vaisman Photography is located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 — about 20 minutes from Simi Valley via the 118 to the 101 Freeway.
Book online here or call (818) 991-7787. Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm, by appointment only.
"Karen was absolutely wonderful to work with. She was incredibly patient and professional throughout the entire session, and she made sure I looked my best in every shot. Her 30 years of experience truly shows in the way she guides you and pays attention to the small details."
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"Karen is the definition of a true professional photographer. She not only makes you feel comfortable while she is taking your photo, but she understands what is required to get that perfect shot — the correct angle, the right lighting, and most importantly, how to capture the essence of the person in front of the camera."
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"Karen was wonderful to work with, she is a true professional and knows how to take photos at the right angle to make you look good. Once the booking was made and the time set there were no delays, no waiting — just like the Swiss Railway, on time. I was very pleased with my photos."
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"It was wonderful working with Karen! She was nice and professional. She scheduled an appointment for me right away and got my retouched images back to me in less than a week! Pictures turned out great. Highly recommend."
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"I was seeking a talented photographer, not just with lighting and lenses and composition, but also had some talent with photoshop to smooth out any blemishes, etc. Boy, did I score! I am amazed by how flattering, yet true to myself, these photos came out. Karen is truly a talented artist, and you will not be disappointed in the results you get either."
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Professional U.S. passport photos and U.S. citizenship photos prepared by appointment in Agoura Hills, serving Los Angeles, Ventura County, Conejo Valley, and surrounding areas. Photos are typically ready in about 1 hour.
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